ReLEx® SMILE

ReLEx SMILE surgery for myopia and astigmatism correction

SMILE stands for “small incision lenticule extraction”. It is a technique of laser vision correction for refractive errors. It is a minimally invasive procedure that requires no flap, and hence the outer corneal layer remains intact.

VisuMax Femtosecond System

Defining the pulse rate in refractive surgery

The VisuMax®, ZEISS is significantly shaping the world of refractive surgery. This ground-breaking laser system employs high-performance femtosecond laser technology and is characterized by its outstanding cutting precision, unsurpassed speed and gentle treatment technique. The VisuMax is thus the ideal platform for therapeutic and refractive applications of cutting-edge corneal surgery, including:

Impairment is corrected

Femto-LASIK vs ReLEx SMILE

ReLEx has changed the way surgeons do refractive surgery, on the grounds of its significant advantages in the patient’s comfort. Because there is no need to pass from one machine to another, there is no need to change the patients position. This means that the procedure only takes a few minutes.

Femto-LASIK:

A flap with a thickness of roughly 120 micrometer is cut in the cornea before the laser correction itself. Once the flap has been folded back, an excimer laser is used to ablate the exposed corneal tissue.

ReLEx SMILE:

A thin lenticule is prepared within the intact cornea. The volume and shape of the lenticule correspond to the degree of ametropia to be corrected. This lenticule is then removed via a minimally invasive access. The cornea no longer needs to be opened up for this.

SMILE Advantages vs Femto-LASIK

SMILE is a flawless procedure. Because there is no flap, there are no risk of flap-related complications, like flap dislocation, flap striae, lost flap etc.

There is less corneal nerve transaction during the surgery, hence there is less risk of dry eyes.

More biomechanical stability of the cornea.

SMILE disadvantages

Less accurate treatment for patients with high astigmatism.

For patients that need enhancement, Femto-LASIK or epi-LASIK is done.

3% – 5% conversion rate to bladeless LASIK during surgery.

How much does SMILE cost?

Cost is very important and that’s why we want to provide you with all the information you need to make a decision about improving your eyesight. call us for pricing